Page:Keeping the Peace.pdf/246

 of all the saints doesn't he say so and have done with it? It must be obvious to him, now, what the answer would be. I'm certainly crazy about him."

She was a clever girl, who having posed for artists since childhood had a vast smattering of art. She flattered Edward and warmed his heart. She made him believe for the time being that he was far more talented than he really was, and destined to go to the very top of fame's ladder.

They finished their bottle of wine slowly, and then because it was so warm and cheerful in the café and because they had begun to exchange confidences and found it immensely profitable and entertaining, they ordered a half-bottle of the same and sat on for an hour more.

Then Edward paid his check and they rose and went out into the night. It was a soft and pleasant night for the time of year, not a shiver in the air.

As the door of the restaurant closed behind them Anne shrugged her little shoulders with a gesture half of amusement and half of disappointment. She had done her best to make Edward say that he was in love with her, and she had failed.

"When do you go to Corsica?" she asked.

"In about six weeks."

"Shall you do another picture in the meantime?"

"I don't know. I'm pretty well out of paints, and unless something turns up I can hardly afford